ILLINOIS (WIFR) – As students prepare for school, AAA reminds drivers to give themselves extra time and avoid unnecessary risks on their commute.

According to a survey from AAA, more than half of people in Illinois drive through a school zone or pass a bus stop on their normal commute. 39% of people admitted to speeding in an active school zone, and 30% admitted to using their hand-held cell phone while driving in an active school zone.

“Get ready for heavier traffic than normal, especially at first, since a lot of parents like to drive their kids to campus during the first few days back,” says Molly Hart, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “It would be a good idea to budget an extra half hour for your morning commute because drivers who are running late are more likely to speed and take unnecessary risks while behind the wheel. That endangers everyone on the roadway.”

18% of people admit to driving around a school bus while it’s stop sign is extended, according to the survey. Illinois law requires motorists to stop when a school bus has its lights flashing and stop arms extended. The only exception is on a divided highway with a raised divider.

AAA provides tips for pedestrians and parents of young pedestrians:

• Avoid wearing headphones in order to hear traffic
• Use sidewalks when available or walk against the direction of traffic so you can see oncoming vehicles
• Wear bright-colored or reflective clothing to be seen more easily
• Don’t assume drivers see you, make sure they stop before crossing the street, and make eye contact with the driver to ensure they saw you

For bicyclists, AAA recommends:

• Wear a helmet
• Wear bright-colored clothes
• Ride in the same direction as traffic and use bike lanes when possible
• Don’t wear headphones so you can hear traffic
• Cross the street at intersections and do not pull into the street from between parked cars

For students at a bus stop:

• Arrive at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive
• Stay five steps away from the curb
• Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the bus driver signals for you to board

For more information, download the AAA mobile app, or visit their website.

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